Apple Airtag for Dogs FAQ

You may have heard the buzz about the latest Apple product, the AirTag. The small device, about the size of a quarter, is the current fad in GPS tracking. The tag can be attached to almost anything that you would want to track like keys, wallets, luggage, or even your car. 

Many people have found creative ways to use their AirTag, with one being to track their pets if they get lost. Although Apple does not recommend using an AirTag for your pet, a lot of people still do. Because of this, we have put together a list of the top 11 most asked questions about using AirTags to track your lost dog. 

Can AirTags Be Used for Pet Tracking? 

Although AirTags were not designed to be used for tracking your pets, they may certainly be used for this purpose, and they are quite simple to set up. Simply connect the AirTag to your device and attach it to your pet’s collar, and you are good to go. 

How Much Does an AirTag Cost? 

Apple has priced their AirTags at a reasonable $29. There is also an option to purchase a package with 4 AirTags for $99. The more you buy, the more you save. You can purchase AirTags directly from Apple. You can also find and purchase AirTags from third-party retailers such as BestBuy and Amazon. 

AirTags only come with the AirTag. There are no other attachments included in the package. If you are planning on attaching your AirTag to anything, you will need some type of loop. Additional attachments can cost an average of $20 and are widely available at most retailers.  

How Can I Attach an AirTag to My Dog? 

The easiest way to attach an AirTag to your dog is by connecting it to your pup’s collar. There are many distinct types of attachments available to do this, but the most common is with the AirTag Loops. These special loops allow you to place your AirTag in it and it looks and functions like a regular key chain would. 

There are two other attachments that are made specifically for putting an AirTag on a dog collar. The first is a slide attachment that allows you to slide collar through the AirTag loop and is designed to sit flush on the collar instead of hanging down.  

The other type of specific accessory to attach your AirTag to your dog are specially designed collars that are created with a slot to hold the AirTag. Instead of a separate slide or hanging loop, these are all-in-one collars for your pup. 

Is AirTags Harmful to Dogs? 

No. The AirTags do not use any sound, vibrations, or give any other indication of being in use. The technology used in GPS does not cause any known adverse effects on either dogs or humans. However, there is the potential for one issue. 

The AirTag is the size of a quarter. If it falls off of your dog, it can easily be swallowed. If this happens you should take your dog immediately to the veterinarian. 

What is the Range for an AirTag? 

When you are first setting up your AirTag you will need to use your Bluetooth-connected Apple device. During the initial setup phase, you can take your setup device around 100 feet away from the Apple AirTag and still have enough Bluetooth connectivity to set up your AirTag. 

While the AirTag is in use, there is not a defined range. This is because the AirTag relies on Apple’s Find My Network to track the AirTag. 

Do I Need an iPhone to Use an AirTag? 

No. However you will need an Apple device with ‘Find My Network’ capabilities. This could be in iPhone, but it could also be a MacBook, iPad, or Apple Watch. Each of these devices can alert you to your AirTag’s location, no matter how far away it is. 

Is AirTags for Dogs Waterproof? 

AirTags are water-resistant, not waterproof, so they are not suitable for swimming. You should also not submerge your AirTag in any liquid or large streams of water. In short, leave the AirTag at home if you are under a hose or faucet and do not swim with it. 

However, this does not rule out the possibility that AirTags will cease to function as soon as they are exposed to the elements. AirTags should continue to function effectively even if you unintentionally spill something on them or if you get caught in the rain while wearing them. 

How Does an AirTag Work for Dogs? 

The AirTag works the same for dogs, items, or people. Once the AirTag is set up, the AirTag sends a private Bluetooth ping that can be recognized by Apple products that are near it. 

When you have an Apple device, the location of the AirTag is sent directly to the cloud. You can then see your AirTag on a map. The whole process of locating AirTags is private and encrypted to keep your personal details safe.

How Do I Setup an AirTag for My Dog?

To set up an AirTag for your dog, you will need an iPhone or iPod touch that is running iOS 14.5 or later to participate. You can also utilize an iPad running iPadOS 14.5 or later as an alternative device. To connect an AirTag to an iDevice, follow the steps outlined below: 

• Check to see if your device is Bluetooth enabled and has an active internet connection. 
• Take off the plastic wrap from your AirTag. This should activate it and cause it to beep. 
• Bring your iPhone or iPad closer to it. 

• Click ‘Connect.’ 
• Give your AirTag a name. 
• All done! Your AirTag will complete its setup on its own. 

Do I Need Any Special Items to Use an AirTag on My Dog? 

Yes! To successfully use an AirTag as a tracking device on your dog, you will need some type of case to hold the AirTag and attach it to your dog. Most people who choose to use an AirTag on their dog use the standard loop accessory and attach it to the collar D-ring like you would a keychain.  

Other ways to attach AirTags to your dog is by using a collar slide attachment or a specialized collar that has space for the AirTag to connect into the collar itself. 

Why Doesn’t Apple Recommend Using an AirTag on My Dog? 

With as many people attaching AirTags to their pets that Apple would approve but it does not. Apple specifically advises against using AirTags to track your dog. The reason for this comes down to functionality. 

The AirTag works by pinging Bluetooth devices that happen to be near enough to the AirTag. Tracking a continuously moving object can be difficult. If your dog happens to get lost, you may be notified from the AirTag to your dog’s location. 

However, a running dog does not stay in one place. Therefore, it is possible that when you get to the location of the first ping, your dog is already gone. Another note on using AirTags on your dog is if the dog is lost in a secluded area. Because there are no Bluetooth devices around, your AirTag cannot be located.